Yaska van Neerland, * 21-5-1994, † 26-7-2011
Posted: Sun Jul 31, 2011 5:05 pm
This past week, I have had to say good bye to my loyal Yaska, my first own Dutch
Shepherd and KNPV PH-I. She was the pup who's birth I anticipated like no others. The girl that I did
not want (because I wanted a boy) and the golden brindle that I did not prefer (because I wanted a black)
But from the first time I saw her, she was impossible to overlook and she became mine, for better, for worse. She was the quintessential Dutch Shepherd with a stong will and a huge personality.
A reliable and fearless working dog, who, after her KNPV title, taught me about drug
work. She would always point out her handlers mistakes and was a patient teacher.
She still worked with me as my drug dog at the ripe age of 12. In daily life, she
behaved perfectly and was an ideal companion. She had no trouble ruling her pack, a
status she never lost despite the fact that she gradually withdrew into the darkness
of her own mind due to dementia. At the end, she had lost her sparking personality,
but never my love and devotion. I will always miss her. Yaska lives on in her offspring, in my heart
and my stories.
Fare well dear Yaska. It was a privilege to share your life, all 17 years, 2 months
and 5 days of it.
Yaska in her prime
And at her old age during our walks, trying to keep up with the pack
Shepherd and KNPV PH-I. She was the pup who's birth I anticipated like no others. The girl that I did
not want (because I wanted a boy) and the golden brindle that I did not prefer (because I wanted a black)
But from the first time I saw her, she was impossible to overlook and she became mine, for better, for worse. She was the quintessential Dutch Shepherd with a stong will and a huge personality.
A reliable and fearless working dog, who, after her KNPV title, taught me about drug
work. She would always point out her handlers mistakes and was a patient teacher.
She still worked with me as my drug dog at the ripe age of 12. In daily life, she
behaved perfectly and was an ideal companion. She had no trouble ruling her pack, a
status she never lost despite the fact that she gradually withdrew into the darkness
of her own mind due to dementia. At the end, she had lost her sparking personality,
but never my love and devotion. I will always miss her. Yaska lives on in her offspring, in my heart
and my stories.
Fare well dear Yaska. It was a privilege to share your life, all 17 years, 2 months
and 5 days of it.
Yaska in her prime
And at her old age during our walks, trying to keep up with the pack
)